Summary
IgM antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could be demonstrated by immunofluorescence in the sera of all patients with clinical infectious mononucleosis (IM) and a heterophile antibody titer of ⩾40. The EBV-IgM antibodies were found only over a period of 2 to 3 months after onset of symptoms. Demonstration of IgM antibodies in the sera of patients therefore indicates recent infection and may be useful for diagnosis. The fact that EBV-IgM antibodies can only be demonstrated during a relatively short period supports the assumption that EBV is indeed the etiologic agent of IM.
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Schmitz, H., Scherer, M. IgM antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus in infectious mononucleosis. Archiv f Virusforschung 37, 332–339 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01241456
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01241456